Emergencies: Seniors and Falling
We have to prepare for emergencies for seniors. Falling is one of the risky emergencies that we have to take care of. I will be talking about actions you can take when emergencies happen to seniors, especially falling.
Serious Injury
1) Check if the elderly can get up on their own
2) Reassured them or help them to remain calm
3) Check for any injuries
4) If they scream for pain or cry when you tried to move them or their limbs, call an ambulance
5) Keep them calm and lay them down till the ambulance comes
Minor Injury
1) If no obvious signs of injury, assist the elderly to stand back up
2) Encourage them to do it gradually
3) Be ready to help them, if there is any difficulty
4) If they are struggling to get back up, they need to see a doctor
5) Once they are back up, keep a close eye on them for 24 hours
Evaluation
1) ”If the older person has fallen before, even once, or if you have any doubts about their well-being, arrange a visit to the doctor as soon as possible. Her feet or knees might be causing pain and affecting the way she walks.”
2) “Bring a list of their medications to show the doctor, who will evaluate them for any combinations or dosages that might be causing lightheadedness or affecting balance.”
3) “Tell the doctor if you’ve noticed anything unusual, such as loss of appetite, weakness, vision problems, limping, or shuffling of the feet. The doctor may refer the older person for a gait assessment or prescribe physical therapy to correct issues that can affect balance.”
Prevention
Visit the ophthalmologist for a complete vision check.
See a podiatrist determine if your elder parent might be wearing loose or painful shoes that can affect gait and balance.
Scan the home for proper lighting and trip hazards. Fix or remove loose rugs or carpeting, peeling linoleum, dangling cords, or other obstructions that may impinge on pathways to the bedroom, bathroom, and front door.
Minimize the need to get up and cross the room to fetch glasses, the TV remote, or a magazine. Older people like to keep things handy where they can reach them, but it can lead to clutter. Help them by providing handy storage, such as an inexpensive bin with drawers next to the person’s favorite chair.
Introduce the idea of using a cane or walker. While convincing an older person to use these aids is no easy task, it beats a trip to the emergency room.
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